Gainesville’s City Beautification Board recognized Gainesville Regional Airport’s Phase III renovations at an annual awards presentation on April 24, 2013. The update to the airport’s façade won an award in the Institutional Facilities category.

Updates are not only aesthetically pleasing, but the renovations result in easier accessibility for passengers as well as energy efficiency. Upgrades include replacement of store front glass with energy efficient glass, construction of vestibule entryways to reduce the loss of air conditioning or heating and new curb and sidewalks that feature a unique pattern of colored cement with curved lines.

Exterior, pillar lighting was replaced with new, energy efficient LED lighting for energy efficiency and the safety of late arriving travelers. Fresh paint, new benches and new landscaping create the new welcome for both residents and visitors to the community. The new irrigation system replaced the source from utility domestic water to well water. Finally, handicap parking areas and ramps to the sidewalk were repaved at the front of the short term lot.

Terminal Renovations Phase III began in June 2012 and final touches were completed in February 2013 with a construction cost of $1.3 million. Reynolds Smith and Hills (RS&H) designed the project.

The City Beautification Awards highlighted 27 construction or renovation projects around the community covering categories from Commercial and Retail to Restoration, Revitalization and Adaptive Reuse.

The annual City Beautification Awards recognize excellence in a variety of design categories. They highlight projects of outstanding aesthetic and artistic appeal. Projects are evaluated based on originality, innovation and creativity as well as their sustainability, maintenance and use of serviceable materials.